Ladakh

Something special

11/10/16 18:57

I visited the Ladakh SOS Children village. ITs known to have some good handcrafts on sale made by Tibetan refuges. Bought some small things and also had a walk trough the village. It is very impressive and houses the biggest Tibetan schools in Ladakh.

Then on my way to Leh from Alchi there was suddenly an armada of cyclers. This was a charity event from Leh to Srinagar and close to the Phyang Monastery there was a roadside camp celebrating the event.

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Ladakh - On the road

11/10/16 18:29

Some impression of the Ladakh landscape.It really feels like little Tibet. Only the mountains are not as high and there aren’t really any glaciers around. But the buildings, the monasteries, the gompas, the stupas, the colors and the so friendly people scream Tibet.

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Alchi - Historic Village

11/10/16 18:20

The Alchi village is about 60km west of Leh. The main attraction is the historic buddhist temple which is said the to be oldest in Ladakh. It is currently under survey and restoration of the Indian archeological department.

The temple complex is very small and has one buddha / bodhisattva four facing stature, which is very stunning and unusual. Some elements look even european. I haven’t seen anything like this even in Tibet. However, it is a pity that you are not allowed to take photos inside.

And the village itself is also very lovely. The best I’ve seen in Ladakh and worth a small walk.

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Gompas - Buddhist Temples Gompas - Buddhist Temples

11/10/16 18:13

Buddhist Temples - Kompass - are everywhere in Ladakh. Actually so many that you should made a shortlist or you will spend a at least 2 weeks to see them all. I’ve visited the Spituk and Phyang Gompa to the west of Leh, the Distik Gompa with the large Buddha overview the Nubra valley and the one you have to see - the Thickset Gompa (feels like you’re in Tibet). Some impressions:

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The Highest Mountain Road

11/10/16 18:13

North of Leh is military mountain road leading into the Nubra valley. You need a permit to cross this road, but its said to be the highest paved mountain road of the world - 5606m. Already done the second highest one whilst driving the Manali-Leh highway this one was a must.

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Leh - The Capital of Ladakh

11/10/16 18:04

After the impressive highway I reached Leh - the Capital of Ladakh. The old city feels like your are in Tibet - even if there islamic mosques around. And above the cityscape sits the old palace guided by a small fortress. If you take a stroll trough the city you will find small markets, tibetan handcraft shops, stupas and small temples. Everywhere is something to see. And the plenty Royal Enfield motorbikes provide a background-sound. The only issue are the none-tibetan shop owners which try in a constant bases to lure you into their shops to buy something that smells mass produced in china.

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Manali-Leh Highway

11/10/16 17:58

After crossing the Rohtang Pass I was finally on the Manali-Leh Highway. And what an impressive road. This is really like little Tibet! Everywhere you look - the scale is just breathtaking and on top you’ve got three passes to cross: Baralacha La - 4892m, Lachulung La 5059m & the second highest mountain road pass Tangling La - 5325m

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Start of the Manali-Leh Highway

11/10/16 17:55

This is where my India adventure really starts - The Manali-Leh Highway. The first part isn’t really part of the original road. It’s a military road and as such a shortcut: The Rohtang Pass at about 3978m.

This mountain massif also is important for the climatic conditions. Manali & south is a wet climate region while north, Leh & Ladakh is a dry, sometimes near desert like climatic region.

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